Define "worth".
Numbers based on current costs for 2000 bullets:
Cost of 92-2-6 alloy from Rotometals $4/lb. 2000 60 gr bullets - $70
Cost of gas checks - $60
Total cost of $130
Cost of Hornady 55 gr SP's - $230
https://www.armorally.com/shop/horna...r-spire-point/
Add in cost of one decent mold and a sizer and top punch. If you are lucky, you get a mold that works in your gun. If not, another hunk of change to try for a different one. Maybe you need a larger sizer???
Do you value your time? If casting, sizing and sorting/inspecting are "fun" it does not matter.
If time matters to you, figure about 200 bullets/hour after casting, inspecting. sizing and applying GCs.
You will have a boring time with jacketed bullets. You should get a 2 MOA load in one or two range sessions. The bullets will perform like commercial loads at 3000 fps. If you are lucky, you might even get to 1 MOA if you want to spend a bit more time with load development.
Cast bullets are typically less boring. You might need a different alloy, sizing die, or lube, and then find a velocity that gives acceptable accuracy. Plan on that velocity being under 2500 fps.
Time matters to me but not to most people on this forum. I value my time at $15/hr. I do not get my jollies from making bullets. What matters to you? No right or wrong answer but know yourself.
Accuracy is important to me. Cast bullets will not match the accuracy of jacketed bullets. What is acceptable to you?
How much will you shoot? If it is 1000 rounds a year, cast bullets will save you $50/year. Is it worth it to you to spend 5 hours to save $50 after investing in over $100 in a mold and sizing dies.
BTW, when I "worked the numbers" years ago, I bought 6000 of the Hornady bullets for $420 delivered. IMO they are still a bargain at $665. It would take me 30 hours to produce 6000 bullets. That is more "fun" than I can stand.
People will pile on about their "free" or cheap alloy. No such thing. Alloy has a value. The Casting gods will not curse you if you sell good alloy to buy better bullets.
A lot of folks start into this hobby and give it up. They realize their time is not worth the effort. IMO .22 cal is the worst. YMMV.
Many folks here are successful in meeting their needs with cast .22's. Give serious thought to what you want to accomplish and how dedicated you are to the job. Lastly, there is not much downside. You might lose $50 on a mold and $20 on a sizer if you decide it is not for you. The most important factor IMO is how much time you have, and how much fun you will be get out of the journey.
$70 is decent meal out for two. Go for it if you are on the fence. There is value in learning.